13 Best Salicylic Acid Body Washes For Clear, Beautiful Skin
Keep your body clean, smooth, supple, and healthy with salicylic acid body wash.
Dr. Danielle Marr CollinsMD, DDS
Expertise: Esthetic Medicine, Skin Care, & Aerospace Skin Care
Experience: 15 years
Dr. Danielle Marr Collins is an Irish esthetics doctor and an aerospace engineer with over 15 years of experience. She opened the first DermaFaceMD Anti-Aging & Anti-Wrinkle Clinic in 2009 in Dublin, Ireland. She has a DDS from Trinity ... more
Expertise: Skin & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and has 3 years of experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the... more
Image: Shutterstock
Zits can appear anywhere on the body and not just on the face. If these breakouts are not addressed, they can grow in size and cause excruciating discomfort. Fortunately, you can use the best salicylic acid body washes to deal with body breakouts. Salicylic acid promotes the natural exfoliation process of the skin and helps clear the dead skin cells and dirt from the skin pores. Apart from that, these body washes contain other potent ingredients that may help to keep your skin healthy, soft, and smooth. As a result, your skin stays clean, free of extra sebum, dirt, dead skin cells, and debris.
If you are struggling with breakouts on your body, it is time you should try salicylic acid body washes. To help you out, we have prepared a list of the best salicylic acid body washes for clear and flawless skin. Scroll down to check them out.
In This Article
Top 13 Salicylic Acid Body Washes For Acne-Free Skin
Best Moisturizing Formula:CeraVe SA Body Wash For Rough And Bumpy Skin
If you wish to rid your skin of bumps and acne, this CeraVe body wash with salicylic acid is the perfect one for you! It is filled with zit-zapping key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide that fight breakouts by cleansing the pores and treating your acne scars for clear skin. Plus, they combat dryness and keep the skin moisturized, leaving it soft and supple. The formula is free of parabens and fragrances. If you want to know more about the benefits of CeraVe SA Body Wash For Rough And Bumpy Skin, check out this YouTube review.
Pros- Moisturizing and hydrating formula
- Fragrance and paraben-free
- Deep cleansing properties
- No harsh microbeads
Cons
- May not be ideal for extremely sensitive skin
Pro TipBest Dermatologist-Tested Formula:Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash
The Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash is encapsulated with time-released salicylic acid that gently exfoliates your skin, cleanses clogged pores, and leaves your skin soft and smooth. This skin-friendly body wash maintains your skin’s natural pH level and prevents dryness and irritation. It is also infused with glycerin that boosts moisture in your skin and safflower seed and olive fruit oil that nourish and replenish your skin barrier. This dermatologist-tested body wash is suitable for all skin types and ideal for daily use. Additionally, you can use it as a facial cleanser.
Pros- Suitable for daily use
- Safe for all skin types
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Does not lather well
Best Oil-Balancing Formula:Pacifica Acne Warrior Body Wash
The Pacifica Acne Warrior Body Wash is a medicated body acne treatment. It is formulated with 2% salicylic acid that fights acne-causing bacteria and inhibits their growth. It is also infused with niacinamide that cleans the pores and minimizes their appearance while controlling oil production. This hydrating formula also contains aloe and cucumber that delivers soothing and moisturizing benefits to your skin. The body wash releases a watermelon and minty fragrance that calms and refreshes your senses.
Pros- Dermatologist-tested
- Suitable for all skin types
- Refreshing scent
- Value for money
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- SLS-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Talc-free
Cons
- Slightly drying
Pro Tip
Image: Neutrogena
The Neutrogena salicylic acid body wash is a beauty staple in every skin care closet for many years, and for the right reasons. It contains active acne-fighting ingredients like vitamin C, and pink grapefruit extract that treat pimples at the base and unclogs pores to prevent them from ever coming back. It also contains beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that removes excess oil and dead skin cells from the surface for cleaner and smoother skin. The hydrating formula has glycerin and aloe vera, which prevents over-drying too. Check out this video on YouTube for a detailed understanding of the Neutrogena Clear Body Wash With Pink Grapefruit.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Suitable for oily skin
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Treats and prevents body acne
Cons
- May contain added colors
Best Soap-Free Formula:Phisoderm Anti-Blemish Body Wash
One wash is all it takes to get you hooked to this salicylic acid body wash! The soothing formula is filled with potent ingredients like vitamin E, aloe, and chamomile, which gently cleanse and calm the skin. The body wash lathers up beautifully and rinses off without leaving any sticky residue behind. Oil-free, soap-free, and dye-free, we can’t find a single reason for you not to grab this product immediately!
Pros- Oil-free
- Soap-free
- Dye-free
- Refreshing scent
- Suitable for combination and oily skin
Cons
- Some find this product to be over-drying on the skin.
Pro Tip
Image: Touch
The benefits of salicylic acid body washes are endless! They help in clearing existing breakouts, exfoliating the skin, and prevent future breakouts. This hydrating body wash is sulfate-free and includes 15% glycolic acid to exfoliate clogged pores and cleanse skin effectively. It also has potent ingredients like BHAs, AHAs, aloe vera, vitamin E, and gotu kola. Together, they prevent inflammation, treat acne, stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce hyperpigmentation.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- May cause irritation and redness, in rare cases. It is advisable to do a patch test before application.
Image: Murad
This salicylic acid body wash for sensitive skin is great for clearing pores and treating body breakouts long after rinsing. It contains a powerhouse of ingredients like tea tree extract, jojoba extract, camellia extract, and date seed powder, which combat skin inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria with its antibacterial properties. This body wash is excellent for combination, oily, and sensitive skin types and is completely cruelty-free. If you need further convincing, check out this YouTuber’s video.
Pros
- Prevents and treats body acne
- Suitable for all skin types
- Provides gentle exfoliation
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May contain added fragrances and colors
Best Sulfate-Free Formula:Botanic Tree KP Exfoliating Wash
If you want to have acne-free skin and prevent breakouts in the future, reach out for this cruelty-free salicylic acid body wash. It has acne-fighting ingredients like tea tree oil, and glycolic acid for exfoliated, clean skin. Along with this, it has aloe vera and collagen to promote soft and healthy skin. Rich in antioxidants and antibacterial properties, it gently exfoliates the skin from any dead skin cells without triggering inflammation.
Pros- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Moisturizing formula
- Suitable for all skin types
- Free of parabens, dyes, phthalates, sulfates, and drying alcohols
Cons
- May not be effective on body acne.
Image: Misumi
This body wash containing salicylic acid is a crowd favorite because of its gentle formula and potent acne-combatting ingredients. Lactic and glycolic acid, work together to exfoliate and cleanse acne-prone skin. Filled with AHAs, this product promotes blood flow to the skin with its anti-inflammatory properties to ensure skin is left feeling soft and smooth with a radiant complexion. It also contains lavender that helps soothe skin and offers an even skin tone.
Pros
- Effective against keratosis pilaris
- Reduces inflammation
- Prevents breakouts
- Free of parabens and sulfates
- Provides exfoliation for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Some may find the consistency to be a bit too thin
Best Vegan Formula: Home Health Psoriasis Medicated Scalp and Body Wash
This vegan salicylic acid body wash is clinically effective for skin that suffers from constant breakouts and psoriasis. It contains powerful ingredients like jojoba oil, aloe vera, and carrot oil, that prevents body acne and hydrates your skin. You will experience healthy-looking and feeling skin, after every wash. Free of gluten and parabens, this vegan and cruelty-free formula is suitable for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Clinically effective
- Gentle cleansing
Cons
- May not be best suited for extremely dry skin
Image: Men Science
This advanced fragrance-free salicylic acid body wash clears impurities and unclogs pores for soft, smooth skin and even skin tone. It’s filled with glycolic acid and tea tree extract, which fight acne-causing bacteria and control oil production in the skin. It also contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and aloe vera gel that prevent the skin from over-drying. This professional-grade formula has no dyes and irritating ingredients, making it suitable for oily to combination skin.
Pros
- Unscented
- Provides gentle exfoliation
- Professional-grade formulation
- Suitable for combination and oily skin
Cons
- Contains sulfates and parabens
Best Vegetarian Formula:Alba Botanica Acne Dote Deep Pore Wash
Use the Alba Botanica Acne Dote Pore Wash and let your pores breathe freely. This powerful botanical formula is infused with willow bark extract and 2% salicylic acid that unclogs your pores and treats the existing acne and zits. It continues to fight breakouts even after you rinse it out. This lathering cleanser also contains parsley extract and witch hazel that soothe your skin and prevent irritation.
Pros- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight
- Gentle
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Artificial colors and fragrances-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
None
Image: Neutrogena
This new and improved Neutrogena salicylic acid body wash is perfect for fighting body breakouts without over-drying your skin. This body wash is filled with skin-friendly ingredients like glycerin that make it ideal for sensitive acne-prone skin. It clears pores of dirt, grime, and excess oil for skin that feels soft and refreshed. You can pair this shower gel with any salicylic acid body lotion for best results.
Pros
- Fights breakouts on the chest, back, and shoulders
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Refreshing fragrance
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- In rare cases, it may cause an allergic reaction
Now that you know about the top salicylic acid body washes available on the market. Here is an easy buying guide you can follow, when looking for the best one for your skin.
How To Choose The Best Salicylic Acid Body Wash For You?
- Skin type
Oily and combination skin types are more prone to breakouts. For these unique skin types, pick a body wash that is non-comedogenic and oil-free. This will help clear the pores without blocking them or adding excess oil that leads to more breakouts. Besides using salicylic acid, normal skin types can also benefit from using body washes with ingredients like aloe vera and tea tree oil for gentle cleansing. For sensitive skin types, be sure to avoid body washes that contain irritating ingredients.
- Skin-loving ingredients
Salicylic acid is essential to clear breakouts, but you can achieve better and faster results when mixed with other potent components. The combination of salicylic acid and glycolic acid is unbeatable. Together they unclog pores, prevent new acne from forming, and treat the existing zits. Also, look for ingredients like tea tree oil and zinc because they are known to kill bacteria and speed up the skin healing process.
- Harmful chemicals
As always, you must stay clear of harmful chemicals and harsh ingredients. Chemicals like parabens and sulfates are put in beauty products to deter bacteria and cleanse skin artificially. These do more harm than good and strip away your skin of its natural oils, making it dry, dull, and lifeless.
Infographic: Salicylic Acid Body Wash – Benefits And How It Works
Salicylic acid is a potent ingredient that provides relief from acne-related skin issues. Therefore, using a salicylic acid body wash is the best bet for people with oily and acne-prone skin types. Check out the following infographic to know how the ingredient functions to give you clear skin. In addition, learn about the various ways the acid benefits the skin. Keep scrolling! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Pimples can pop up anywhere other than your face. One of the best ways to treat them is to use the best salicylic acid body washes to give you clear and beautiful skin. Salicylic acid helps promote the natural exfoliation process of the skin and removes the dead skin cells and dirt from the skin pores. Your skin stays clear from dirt, dead skin cells, excess sebum, and debris with these body washes. Consider your skin type, check the ingredients list, and ensure that the body wash is free from harsh chemicals before getting your hands on the best salicylic body washes.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divaka, the author of this article, is a skincare enthusiast and is often found helping her readers purchase the right skincare products through her articles. She embarked on a journey to make a list of the best salicylic acid body washes with the help of extensive research. These listed items will treat your breakouts and give you super flawless skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is salicylic acid good for body wash?
Yes, especially if you are experiencing superficial bouts of acne like whiteheads or blackheads. A combination of salicylic and glycolic acid can be used on your body (in the form of body wash) to prevent new breakouts from forming. However, if your acne is severe you must consult a dermatologist.
What’s better for acne, salicylic acid or glycolic acid?
Both are potent ingredients that are useful in treating body acne, but it’s recommended that you don’t use them all the time as you can risk over-exfoliating your skin.
Can you use salicylic acid body wash every day?
You can use it twice or thrice a week, depending on your skin type. If you have sensitive skin with a minimal breakout, then twice a week should be fine.
Is salicylic acid safe to use during pregnancy?
No, it’s not. Use of any salicylic acid product may increase the risk of intracranial bleeding. Please speak to your doctor before using any product during pregnancy.
Can you use salicylic acid body wash on the face?
If you have dry or sensitive facial skin, it is better to avoid salicylic body wash on the face. Use face washes for acne instead, as they have gentler formulas.
What’s more effective for acne – salicylic acid cream or salicylic acid body?
Salicylic acid body washes and creams are both equally good for reducing body acne. A concentration of 2% of salicylic acid prevents the accumulation of dirt in the pores and treats and prevents acne.
Is it okay to use salicylic acid body wash every day?
Yes, it is okay to use a salicylic acid body wash every day. However, ideally, it is recommended to use it thrice a week for oily and combination skin for the best results. Salicylic acid is drying in nature; so, people with dry and sensitive skin must avoid using this acid as far as possible.
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